tomversation

10 Extreme Day Trips in the U.S.

Grand Canyon at Sunset


Summer is half over, there is still a long time to enjoy the season. Day trips are very popular as they give lots of options and you can do so many of them during the summer months.

Here are 10 extreme day trips in the U.S. that combine thrill, intensity, or awe-inspiring nature — all packable into a single (long!) day of adventure:

1. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike (Arizona)

  • Why it’s extreme: ~24 miles, extreme elevation changes, desert heat.
  • What to expect: Start before dawn from the North Rim, descend to the Colorado River, and ascend to the South Rim by sunset — only for seasoned hikers.

2. Mount Washington Ascent (New Hampshire)

  • Why it’s extreme: Home to some of the worst weather on Earth.
  • What to expect: Hike the 8.4-mile round-trip Tuckerman Ravine Trail, or take the auto road or cog railway up to 6,288 ft. Winds over 100 mph aren’t uncommon.

3. Class V Whitewater Rafting on Gauley River (West Virginia)

  • Why it’s extreme: Nicknamed “The Beast of the East.”
  • What to expect: 100+ rapids over a 24-mile stretch during fall “Gauley Season,” when dam releases ramp up water flow.

4. Snowmobiling on the Continental Divide (Colorado)

  • Why it’s extreme: High speed, high elevation, deep powder.
  • What to expect: Fly over snowy mountain passes near Steamboat Springs or Vail at 10,000+ feet.

5. Skydive Over Moab (Utah)

  • Why it’s extreme: Jump from 15,000 feet over red rock canyons and arches.
  • What to expect: Freefall views of Arches National Park and Canyonlands. Go tandem or solo (if certified).

6. Cave Diving in Devil’s Den (Florida)

  • Why it’s extreme: Dive in a prehistoric underground spring.
  • What to expect: Crystal-clear water, eerie lighting, and ancient rock formations. Open to snorkelers and certified divers.

7. Mt. Whitney in a Day (California)

  • Why it’s extreme: Tallest peak in the lower 48 (14,505 ft).
  • What to expect: 22-mile round trip hike with 6,100 feet of gain — typically takes 12–16 hours.

8. Heli-Skiing in the Chugach Mountains (Alaska)

  • Why it’s extreme: Remote alpine terrain, deep powder, avalanche zones.
  • What to expect: Ride a helicopter into untouched wild snow outside Valdez for bucket-list skiing or snowboarding.

9. Badwater to Telescope Peak Hike (Death Valley, CA)

  • Why it’s extreme: 11,000 feet of elevation gain in one day — from lowest to highest point in Death Valley.
  • What to expect: Only attempted by ultra hikers — a 30+ mile grind through extreme temperatures.

10. Shark Cage Diving off the Coast of Oahu (Hawaii)

  • Why it’s extreme: Eye-to-eye with Galapagos and Sandbar sharks.
  • What to expect: Boat ride ~3 miles offshore, then enter the floating cage in deep blue water.

Want recommendations based on where you’re located or how extreme you want it to be (physical vs. mental vs. fear-based)? Check out our upfront pricing at Expedia and find a location (and price) that is perfect for you.

RECEIVE 10 WITH TOM in your email each time I publish. Sign up here.

Leave a comment